North Wales is known for its dramatic natural scenery and strongly celebrated traditional culture. These are certainly the aspects which most draw visitors to Snowdonia National Park, which covers vast parts of North Wales, an area dominated of course by the Snowdon Massif, a spectacular mountain range which gives the park its name. Outdoor activities fill leisure time, whether extreme sports or more sedate sightseeing pleasures and the towns provide a cultural backdrop to some fine hospitality. is readily available and offers visitors every opportunity to sample the best of the area and of Wales.
The highest peak is mount Snowden itself and while climbing to the summit achieves its own rewards the views and experience can be enjoyed on a more leisurely basis by taking the Snowdon Mountain Railway. As a result, the mountain can get rather busy and those seeking some solitude against the stunning backdrop generally spend their time on the slopes of Tryfan instead. Keen walkers have many further options with 100s of miles of bridleway and public right of way access and over 1500 miles of footpath which takes in the most stunning Welsh vistas.
From the highest peaks to the incredible coastline there are numerous ways in which to enjoy the natural splendour other than on foot. Cycling and mountain biking are popular and a full range of outdoor activities make the most of the diverse natural environment, with everything from water sports to caving on offer. Some options are directly associated with certain outdoor areas and activities and will provide dorm style lodge accommodation for groups as well as self catering chalets and hotel rooms. Self catering is a very popular choice of , offering all the facilities and freedoms required for a fun-packed holiday.
Self catering is certainly the preferred option for families and a fully equipped cottage, with kitchen, dining and lounge spaces is well suited for the demands of a family holiday but they are great too for romantic breaks and there are many cosy country cottages which offer up their delights easily. Cottages will often have outdoor spaces too for relaxing in, having a barbecue or letting the children run around. Other visitors may want to leave the cooking and cleaning to someone else and for them, a hotel or bed and breakfast guest house may provide the ideal solution.
A hotel can take on a variety of forms. Within charming towns sit traditional inns alongside a range of hotels, both old and new and all will deliver hospitality and convenience in equal measure. Leisure facilities will depend on the size and style of hotel but terrific dining spaces and comfortable guest lounges should be expected. The traditional inns will certainly provide the kind of classic environment and ambience which comes with a good local pub and often the hearty pub menus to match. In modern times they are family-friendly places and will often have beer gardens and other outdoor areas.
A tight budget is no barrier to enjoying Snowdonia and all the delights of the national park. There are many camping and caravan sites which have their own special appeal for some, and the bed and breakfast guest houses have long been providing affordable and enjoyable. At the other end of the scale there are some superb country house hotels for which a leisure stay means the finest dining within sumptuous surrounds, relaxation means spas, pools and immaculate service, and activity means heading for the gym or tennis court. Leisure is big business in Snowdonia and whatever your pleasure it will not be difficult to find the accommodation to suit.
